TINA TAYLOR, a passionate administrator at Autumn Oaks Assisted Living, exudes genuine enthusiasm when discussing the facility’s mission and services. Her spirit extends beyond the facility, reaching into our community. She enthusiastically describes the strong bond between the facility and its residents, the activities that bring joy to their lives, and the attentive care their dedicated nurses and staff provide.
Autumn Oaks, a 25-room facility, prides itself on being a close-knit family. Taylor emphasized the advantages of their small size, which promotes genuine relationships among residents and prevents the overwhelming feeling that can arise in larger facilities, especially for seniors with dementia.
Unlike many other facilities, Autumn Oaks follows an all-inclusive model, ensuring no additional charges for increased care levels. This transparency offers peace of mind to families, knowing they won’t face unexpected costs as their loved ones require more assistance.
Taylor explained their commitment to “hometown hospitality.” They strive to treat their residents and their families with warmth and care.

“We want to treat our guests, our families, and our residents with hospitality like our grandparents did back then. So we’re very big on hometown hospitality.”
From serving a favorite coffee first thing in the morning to facilitating visits to the local park, it’s clear that everything is designed to create an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity.
Activities play a central role in the lives of Autumn Oaks residents. They enjoy classic games like Bingo, live entertainment from bands and singers, arts and crafts, dining out, and even trips to see the fall colors and attend local productions. The facility’s van enables residents to venture beyond the facility’s walls and enjoy the community’s offerings.
“Our culture here at Autumn is having fun. And that’s what makes the residents want to get up every day. They know we’re gonna have fun,” she said.

What sets Autumn Oaks apart is the intimate connection between residents and staff. Taylor highlighted the dedicated team’s commitment to going above and beyond for the residents. Caregivers take the time to understand each resident’s unique needs and preferences, whether it’s playing checkers, working on puzzles, or finding rare candies. It’s evident that the staff genuinely cares about the well-being and happiness of those they serve.
However, one story stands out and highlights Autumn Oaks’ authentic culture. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when government protocols restricted family visits, the staff went the extra mile for a resident named George. He was positive for COVID-19 and was nearing the end of his life.
The staff, wearing full protective gear, sat with George, held his hand, and even arranged for outdoor visits through his window so his family could say their goodbyes. The outpouring of love and gratitude from George’s family for the staff’s dedication continues today, with gifts and treats as tokens of appreciation.
When it comes to choosing assisted living for a loved one, Taylor acknowledged the challenges families face, including guilt and apprehension. Her advice is to focus on the companionship and relationships that residents can develop in a smaller facility like Autumn Oaks. The close-knit environment and personalized care contribute to the residents’ happiness and well-being.

“It is harder on the families to place their loved one in assisted living. There’s a huge sense of guilt,” she said.
“I would say instead of letting the guilt overtake them, see the future they’re going to have with the companionship of the other residents in the facility.”
It’s clear that Autumn Oaks remains dedicated to enhancing the lives of its residents. The facility put on its annual festive celebration this past holiday season, ensuring every resident felt at home during that special time of year.“We go all out for Christmas. It looks like the North Pole has penetrated the building, and I look forward to it every year.”
One of the most pressing challenges that residents face is feelings of loneliness and isolation, as they experience so much change during these pivotal moments. The community can alleviate these challenges by joining them during events or sharing a game of checkers or a cup of coffee. These small gestures can brighten their day, offering companionship and joy while counteracting feelings of isolation.
Autumn Oaks is a place where love, care, and community healing are not just words but a way of life. In a world where senior care facilities can vary widely, Autumn Oaks offers a model of elder care that reflects the essence of healing and community. GN